Mandatory Nonphosphate

How do you determine which mines are subject to the reclamation standards?

"Existing" mines are mines where operations began on before October 1, 1986. Reclamation requirements apply only to new surface areas that were initially disturbed by operations after January 1, 1989.

"New" means any mine that is not an existing mine. In other words, mines where operations began after October 1, 1986. Reclamation requirements apply to all areas disturbed by mining operations.

These mining operations are any activity, other than prospecting, necessary for site preparation, extraction, waste disposal, storage, or reclamation. This does not include excavation solely in aid of on-site farming or on-site construction, nor the process of searching, prospecting, exploring, or investigating for limestone
by drilling.